Indirect tooling

Indirect tooling methods are many. Examples include cast aluminum, investment metal cast, cast plastics, cast kirksite, sprayed steel, spin-castings, plaster casting, electroforming, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone elastomer (Chapter 2 Silicone Elastomer), elastomer/ rubber, reaction injection, stereolithography,338 344 (Table 17.4), direct metal laser sintering, and laminate construction. 

As mentioned above, an important factor that controls the performance and especially the electrical properties of CNTs-reinforced composites is the state of dispersion of CNTs. Ultrasonication has been shown to be more effective in dispersing the nanotubes without the need for surfactants or other chemical treatments. Figure 12.5b presents electrical results of samples prepared by using a different composite processing. MWNTS were dispersed in this case in cyclohexane by ultrasonication and the MWNTs suspension was then mixed into a cyclohexane solution of SBR. Mixing was achieved by a further sonication for 30 minutes. Cyclohexane has been chosen in this case on account of the solubility of the rubbers in this solvent. As revealed in Figure 12.5b, the percolation threshold is shifted to a lower nanotube content and from this point of view, measurements of electrical resistivity appears as an indirect tool to evaluate the state of dispersion. 

Finally, the broader policy context, which values the attributes of alternative fuels, including hydrogen, is still missing in the U.S. energy debate. Instead, the debate focuses on pushing technology development and deployment for fuels and vehicles using indirect tools. This has not been successful over the past 15 years of alternative fuel efforts. 

Recently, the management of large nuclear and fossil fuel thermal power plants have stimulated the development of diagnostic systems, in order to improve primary coolant quality. Such improvements constitute indirect tools for increasing the plant reliability and safety, both depending on the corrosion of the structural materials. 

The occurrence of Ca " adsorption induced by -COOH and -SO3H groups anchored to the electrode surface via chemisorbed organic molecules was presented and discussed. Finally, it was shown that the study of the induced adsorption of labeled Ca " species may serve as an indirect tool for the investigation of the adsorption or chemisorption of some molecules and ions. 

Geological data observations cover many different aspects such as observations of lithology, fracturing, alteration, mineralisation, tectonic indications, and hydraulic indications from flow etc. The tools for observing these characteristics are both by direct visual inspection and using indirect tools, such as various types of geophysical logging tools, packer tests, down-hole cameras, radar and seismics. 

Sick B (2002) On-line and indirect tool wear monitoring in turning with artificial neural networks a review of more than a decade of research. Mech Syst Signal Process 16(4) 487-546... 

Bridge tooling Direct tooling Indirect tooling Prototype tooling... 

Fig.1 Structure of the technology of additive manufacturing and its applications rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing as well as its correlation with Prototype Tooling, Direct Tooling, and Indirect Tooling...

If tools are made by copying rapid prototyping parts or masters, it is called Indirect Tooling, follow-up, or even secondary rapid prototyping although these are not AM processes. 

Prototype tools are made directly by sintering of plastics and are used preferably for casting, mainly of soft materials. Because of the rather poor surface quality that requires extensive postprocessing, sintered parts, mainly from plastics, are rarely used as masters for Indirect Tooling. 

Layer Laminate Processes Layer laminate manufacturing (LLM) is not frequently used for Prototype and Indirect Tooling. It does not deliver good surface qualities. Fine details should be avoided, as they tend to break. The parts need extensive post-processing. The build process is fast if massive parts are made. 

Used for Prototype Tooling or Indirect Tooling, 3D printing quickly leads to not very expensive but not very detailed master models. Because of the poor surface quality and its brittleness that requires infiltration, they are not recommended for copying. If nevertheless taken, intensive surface finishing is required. 

Microinjection Molding for Microfiuidics Applications, Fig. 10 Indirect tooling process for cell separation (a) process chain, (b) nickel insert, (c) protruded... 

Comparison of experimental observations with barrier model predictions clearly indicated that increase of clay content has an impact on effective clay aspect ratio and alignment, which in turn affect the nanocomposite barrier properties. At the same time, the barrier models could serve as indirect tools for quantification of the degree of exfo-liation/intercalation/aggregation in the production nanocomposite prodncts. 

Prototype Tooling and Indirect Tooling Master models for molding processes can be manufactured with sintering processes. This rarely happens due to poor surface and therefore required extensive rework. For prototype molds, plastic molds can be produced which are then preferably casted. 

Prototype Tooling and Indirect Tooling Layer iaminate processes can quickiy provide cheap, but not very precise master modeis, made from paper and plastic. For the replication, they should not have any fine isolated details because of the danger of breaking. They have to be treated thoroughly with respect to their surfaces. 

Prototype Tooling and Indirect Tooling Extrusion processes are due to the poorer surface quality for all types of molding processes, less suitable than the stereolithography. Particularly high demands on the thermal or mechanical loading capacity may provide exceptions. 

Figure 3. Hybrid micro tools 3 (indirect tooling, left) and 4 (ECF and micro milling right).

---